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Gibson won't run for governor in 2018

In this Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 photo, Rep. Chris Gibson, R-N.Y., talks to a constituent in his district office in Kinderhook, N.Y. Gibson said May 2, 2016, he's not running for governor in 2018.(Photo: Mike Groll, AP)

ALBANY -- Rep. Chris Gibson, considered a leading GOP candidate for governor in 2018, said Monday he won't run for the post and will leave politics when his congressional term concludes at year's end.

Instead, he said he's taking a position with Williams College in Massachusetts as a visiting lecturer on leadership beginning in February 2017.

"Ultimately, for our family, the opportunity to spend increased time together balanced with a return to academia was one we could not pass up," Gibson said in a statement.

"Therefore, I will not be running for governor in 2018. At the conclusion of my term in the U.S. House of Representatives, I will be leaving politics and starting this new direction with my family. In the near-term, I will be closing my exploratory committee. For our donors to that committee, we’ll be refunding contributions we’ve received."

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who was defeated by Cuomo in 2014; former state comptroller candidate Harry Wilson of Scarsdale; and 2010 Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino are among the potential GOP candidates in 2018.

Republicans praised Gibson's tenure.

"Chris Gibson is the true definition of what it means to be a public servant," said state GOP chairman Ed Cox in a statement.

Astorino said, "I will always count Chris a friend and wish him and his family all the best in this new endeavor. I'm confident this won't be the last we hear of him."

Here's Gibson's full statement.

“Over the past 35 years, I’ve had the great honor and privilege of serving our country - first, for 29 years in the military and now six in Congress. In recent months, my family and I have had the opportunity to travel New York State, meeting new friends in 48 counties. I appreciate greatly the warm welcomes and support I have received, and the time so many have dedicated to our mission to change the state. For that, I can only say thank you.

“The last year has also brought into greater clarity what our next steps should be as a family. Mary Jo and I have three teenagers who are in their last years at home. In addition, I was just offered and accepted a position with Williams College as a Visiting Lecturer on Leadership beginning in February 2017, and anticipate accepting other academic positions shortly. Ultimately, for our family, the opportunity to spend increased time together balanced with a return to academia was one we could not pass up.

“Therefore, I will not be running for Governor in 2018. At the conclusion of my term in the U.S. House of Representatives, I will be leaving politics and starting this new direction with my family. In the near-term, I will be closing my exploratory committee. For our donors to that committee, we’ll be refunding contributions we’ve received.

"I will be working hard to finish strong and transition well to whomever voters choose as the next Representative for the 19th District. I truly believe that this is an exceptional country and our best days are still in front of us.